The artistic nature illustrations of Maria Sibylla Merian have had a revived interest with a re-issue of her book, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium. Her wonderful illustrations have inspired taxidermist and artist Jeremy Johnson to render 3 dimensional sculptures of her illustrations. The Jeremy Johnson art display, Off The Page, opened at the Lloyd Library and Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio in March 2017.

Johnson is self taught in insect biology. He approaches insect displays from an artistic and taxidermist perspective that is not governed by the strict rules of scientific collections. The result is insects displayed with additional context: life cycles, natural history, habitat &c. It requires more time and fewer insects can be displayed in this manner. However, for those insects that are displayed, the context enhances public perceptions, awareness and enthusiasm.

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About jjneal

Jonathan Neal is an Associate Professor of Entomology at Purdue University and author of the textbook, Living With Insects (2010).
This blog is a forum to communicate about the intersection of insects with people and policy. This is a personal blog.
The opinions and materials posted here are those of the author and are in no way connected with those of my employer.